Matsqui is the largest single community in Abbotsford. It stretches north to the Fraser River and includes the fertile area known as the Matsqui Flats. Its name is a First Nations (Halkomelem) word, meaning "stretch of higher ground", and refers to the fact that the area is a good place to portage a canoe from one body of water to another a very important geographical feature for early European settlers.
In 1995, Matsqui merged with Abbotsford, creating the city as it is known today.
Matsqui Flats is a lush agricultural area, but also one of recreational opportunities, from wildlife sighting along the river, to cycling and berry u-picks. Many of the homes take advantage of the natural setting, with acreages being common. Matsqui district's commercial heart, Clearbrook, is in transition, but increasing residential density on the west side of Abbotsford promises to lend new life to the area.
Matsqui home sale prices in 2010 ranged from $219,000 to $1.5 million. View Matsqui MLS® listings and upcoming open houses
Matsqui Amenities
Matsqui Shopping
Clearbrook Road was the heart of commercial activity in the District of Matsqui prior to its merger with Abbotsford in 1995, but the emergence of the Mount Lehman Interchange, and construction of High Street, is bringing new options to the fore.
Residential development north of the interchange promises to generate retailers' interest in the Clearbrook area that will benefit the entire neighbourhood.
Schools and education in Matsqui
Elementary schools
Middle schools
Secondary schools
Matsqui Cafés and Restaurants
Casual fine dining and coffee shops are among the most common dining options in Matsqui, but one local favourite is Matsqui Cafe. Abbotsford offers fine dining at Restaurant 62.
Matsqui Sports and Recreation
Matsqui Recreation Centre provides a range of community programming and public amenities. While country roads offer opportunities for cyclists, Matsqui Regional Park offers a popular network of cycling and walking trails.
Matsqui Transportation
Transit is operated in Matsqui by First Canada as part of the Central Fraser Valley transit system. Highway 1 and Fraser Highway also provide east-west connections. The West Coast Express, a commuter rail service, runs from downtown Vancouver to a terminus north of the Fraser River in Mission.
Matsqui Property Statistics
Home prices* Houses $639,104*Source: Fraser Valley Real Estate Board average sales prices (2010)
Matsqui Demographics
Population* 59,440 (1996) *Source: Statistics Canada, 1996 Census Age* 60+ 18.5% 40 to 59 26.8% 20 to 39 27.2% 5 to 19 21.1% 0 to 4 6.4%*Source: Statistics Canada, 1996 Census Occupancy* Fully owned 72.7% ("Owners") Rented 27.3%*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census Dwellings* Detached 43.7% ("Houses") Semi-detached 11.5% Apartments 43.8%*Source: Statistics Canada, 2006 Census
